OCTOBER ISSUE: 01 2024
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." — Mi elle Obama
Editor’s Note
The Power of Her Leadership
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n every hospital, clinic and research facility, there are stories of perseverance and victory that frequently remain unspoken. Among the most extraordinary of these are Black women leaders in healthcare who, continuously, break barriers, empower communities, and motivate transformation. These women are more than healthcare professionals—they are champions, guides and innovators who have transformed challenges into chances, creating a path for a future in which healthcare genuinely benefits all. Despite the obstacles encountered, including underrepresentation and systemic issues, these leaders have created legacies grounded in strength, compassion and intention. They don’t merely treat patients; they recognize entire communities and work to enhance care to be more inclusive, compassionate, and effective for everyone. Whether promoting public health initiatives, managing hospitals, pioneering mental health solutions, or guiding the next generation, their efforts echo well beyond personal accomplishments.
Their impact is proof of what can be achieved when determination aligns with intention. This edition, ‘2024’s Black Women Special Edition: Celebrating Influential Leaders in Healthcare,’ is our tribute to these extraordinary women whose work and spirit redefine what’s possible in healthcare. At Insights Care, we are honored to share their stories and spotlight the impact they are making. Within these pages, you’ll find leaders who remind us that real change is born from courage and compassion. We invite you to journey through their stories and celebrate the powerful, lasting legacy they are creating for generations to come. Happy Reading!
Pearl Shaw -Pearl Shaw
Featuring Person
Company
Adeola Ayoola CEO/CO-founder
Famasi Africa famasi.africa
Brief Ayoola's work at Famasi is par cularly significant in the context of African healthcare, where access to medica ons can be limited.
Adetutu Afolabi Co-founder
wellnesshealthcare.com.ng
Beyond her role at Wellness Group, Afolabi is passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs and contribu ng to community health ini a ves.
Ifunanya Igweze Chief Execu ve Officer
PREGGIFY preggify.com
Dr. Igweze is passionate about changing percep ons around women's health.
Marcie Atchison Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Stanford Children's Health stanfordchildrens.org
Atchison has successfully developed and implemented labor strategies, including managing union nego a ons and strike planning.
Suellen Rodrigues Regional Director Research Management & Health Systems
Global Biopharmaceu cal Company
Suellen has led efforts to promote gender-neutral HPV vaccina on programs, expanding access to the vaccine for both boys and girls.
Wellness Healthcare Group
2024's Black Women Special Edition: Celebrating In uential Leaders in Healthcare
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he path to leadership in healthcare is uniquely challenging, marked by the necessity for precision and fervent dedication. For many, this high-stakes industry demands overcoming deepseated biases and securing acknowledgement for their true capabilities. Such obstacles are especially pronounced for Black women, who often face additional layers of systemic barriers and prejudice. Managing the demanding realm of healthcare leadership requires an exceptional blend of resilience and tenacity. For those who confront deep-seated biases and strive to secure their rightful place, the journey can be both daunting and transformative.
Suellen Rodrigues exemplifies this remarkable journey. As the Regional Director of Research Management and Health Systems at a global biopharmaceutical company, she has navigated over twenty years of challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector. Her journey began as a pharmacist in Brazil and has led her to a pivotal role where she influences healthcare systems across Latin America. Despite the biases and barriers, she encountered along the way, Suellen’s story is one of relentless perseverance and transformative impact. She reflects on her experiences, acknowledging that “there were times when people didn’t immediately recognize me as a leader because of how I look.” Rather than allowing these obstacles to define her, Suellen channelled them into motivation, proving her place through exceptional performance and leadership.
This focus on equity has driven many of her initiatives, including efforts to expand vaccination programs and improve healthcare quality throughout the region.
focus on driving change in healthcare. “There were moments when I had to work twice as hard to be seen as competent and capable, especially when entering new spaces,” she recalls.
Transforming Bias into Strength While Suellen’s career approach has been impressive, it has not been without its share of challenges. As a Black woman in a leadership role, she has had to confront biases related to both her race and gender throughout her career. “Even though Black people in Brazil represent a significant portion of the population, we are still underrepresented in many professional fields, especially in leadership roles,” she observes. This underrepresentation often led to situations where her capabilities were questioned simply because of her appearance. One of the most difficult aspects of Suellen’s journey has been navigating these biases while maintaining her
Whether in corporate meetings or healthcare settings, she has had to challenge the assumptions people made about her based on her race and gender. But instead of letting these biases hold her back, she has used them as opportunities to educate others and demonstrate the importance of diversity in leadership. “I’ve learned that proving myself isn’t always about convincing others of my worth; it’s about staying true to my vision and letting my work speak for itself,” she says. Suellen’s resilience in the face of these challenges has made her an even stronger leader, one who is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion both within her team and in the broader healthcare industry.
Expanding Access and Improving Outcomes Suellen’s work focuses on generating real-world data to inform healthcare policies and improve patient outcomes. “We’re working to create systems that not only serve individual countries but can be applied across the region to ensure that more people have access to quality healthcare,” she explains. One of the most notable initiatives has been her efforts to promote genderneutral HPV vaccination programs in Latin America. This initiative has expanded access to the vaccine for both boys and girls, helping to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. “The introduction of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is a critical step in reducing the burden of cervical cancer across Latin America,” she states. Her work in this area has had a profound
impact, helping to increase vaccination rates and improve public health outcomes in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. In addition to her work on vaccination programs, Suellen is also focused on improving healthcare systems by streamlining processes and leveraging digital tools. “We aim to make healthcare more efficient by simplifying processes and reducing bureaucratic barriers,” she explains. Her approach to innovation is practical and focused on making tangible improvements that benefit both healthcare providers and patients. A Leader with Purpose Diversity and Inclusion are central to her leadership philosophy. As a Black woman in a senior leadership role, she understands the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in healthcare. “We still have a long way to go in terms of achieving equity, both in healthcare and within our own organizations,” she acknowledges. Suellen is committed to ensuring that her team reflects the diversity of the populations they serve, and she actively works to promote inclusive hiring practices across the organization. “It’s important that our teams represent the people we are working to help,” Suellen asserts. She believes that diversity is not just about numbers—it’s about creating environments where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Her dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion has made her a role model for other women of color in the healthcare industry. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and helping
them navigate the challenges of their own careers. “As leaders, we have a responsibility to develop others and help them reach their full potential,” she says. A Vision for the Future of Healthcare in Latin America Suellen believes that healthcare systems must become more patientcentered, with a focus on preventive medicine and access to care for all. “The future of healthcare is about more than just treating diseases; it’s about preventing them and ensuring that patients are involved in their own care,” she points out. She is particularly passionate about the role that vaccines and preventive treatments will play in shaping the future of healthcare in the region. The COVID19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccines, and Suellen is committed to ensuring that Latin America is prepared for future health challenges. “We need to continue investing in preventive medicine and making sure that vaccines are accessible to everyone,” she emphasizes. Apart from her work in healthcare systems, she is also dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging within her organization. She believes that healthcare companies have a responsibility to promote social justice and equity, both within their own walls and in the communities they serve.
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I've learned that proving myself isn't always about convincing others of my worth; it's about staying true to my vision and letting my work speak for itself.
“Our work is about more than just business outcomes; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives,” she shares. The Lasting Impact
Suellen’s journey highlights the strength of perseverance, innovation, and the search for recognition.
As a Black woman leading initiatives across Latin America, she has faced and overcome numerous obstacles while driving meaningful change in healthcare. Her dedication to enhancing healthcare systems, increasing access to essential treatments, and advocating for diversity & inclusion inspires others.
In a world where opportunities and obstacles often go hand in hand, Suellen’s story reminds us that leadership is not just about titles—it is about impact. Her vision for a more equitable, patient-centered healthcare system offers a path forward for the industry, one where everyone has the chance to be seen, heard, and cared for.
Strategies for Building an I
Equitable Environment
n the fast-moving world of healthcare, equity has become more critical than ever. For a long time, disparities have been documented in health outcomes as well as access to care within populations. This calls for urgent systemic changes to promote improvement in such areas. This article provides innovative strategies on how to build a more just health environment through diversity, community engagement, and data-driven solutions. The Problem of Healthcare Equity Factors like implicit provider biases, and socioeconomic factors all intertwine to pose a challenging mix for equitable healthcare. Often, these factors impact ethnic minorities, poor individuals, and other underrepresented groups in healthcare settings, often leading to care that is neither equitable nor equal. While it is necessary to acknowledge these challenges, real change would be through actionable strategies to address not only individual biases but also systemic ones. Five impactful approaches that a healthcare organization can use to create an equitable environment are discussed below. 1. Advocating Workforce Diversity A diverse healthcare workforce is a foundation for establishing trust and attaining better patient outcomes. Seeing themselves in their care providers can also strengthen patients' lines of communication and deepen understanding of cultures. Healthcare organizations should focus on: Ÿ Active recruitment from historically underrepresented communities for clinical and administrative positions Ÿ Mentorship programs that advance the careers of diverse employees Ÿ Annual or biennial education in implicit bias and cultural competency for all staff members
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Adetutu Afolabi Co-founder Wellness Healthcare Group
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We will revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered by leveraging available human resources to bring assessments and treatments directly to the people who need it the most.
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2024's Black Women Special Edition: Celebrating In uential Leaders in Healthcare
Adetutu
Afolabi Driving Innovation in Health Equity
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tepping up to make a difference, visionary leaders are reshaping the healthcare landscape in profound ways. One such leader is Adetutu Afolabi, whose commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in Nigeria is creating significant impact. With a keen understanding of the challenges within the system, she Co-founded Wellness Healthcare Group, an organization dedicated to innovative solutions that empower individuals. Afolabi’s passion for creating equitable healthcare experiences drives her mission to ensure that quality services reach every corner of the community, transforming lives and fostering a healthier future for all. Let’s delve into the interview details below! Can you share your personal journey and what inspired you to cofound Wellness Healthcare Group? As a pharmacist, I’ve always been deeply committed to healthcare accessibility and affordability. Early in my career, I noticed that while we have excellent healthcare professionals in Nigeria, there are systemic challenges that prevent people from receiving
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quality care. In 2007, this observation drove me to start Wellness, initially as a community pharmacy practice. I wanted to create a solution that not only provided people with easy access to affordable medications but also empowered them to take control of their well-being. Over time, it became clear that solving healthcare challenges in Nigeria required more than just providing medications, it needed a comprehensive, technology-driven, and affordable healthcare platform. That’s how Wellness evolved from a pharmacy into a broader healthcare service provider, offering health insurance, pharmaceutical distribution, and technology solutions to ensure we impact every touchpoint of healthcare delivery.
consultations, access telemedicine services, schedule appointments, and track their health records; all from the convenience of their mobile devices.
As the person at the driving seat, what specific initiatives has Wellness Healthcare Group implemented to address healthcare challenges in Africa?
How do you perceive the role of women leaders in transforming the healthcare landscape?
At Wellness, we’re leveraging technology and innovative solutions to tackle some of the most pressing healthcare challenges in Africa. One key initiative is the Wellness Plus app, a digital platform that allows people to manage their health more effectively. Through the app, users can book
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Wellness HMO has also brought affordable healthcare insurance to a broader population, and by leveraging technology, we’ve been able to design plans that address the financial barriers many Nigerians face when accessing healthcare services. Through our telemedicine platform, people pay less for health insurance and healthcare services as a whole and have increased access. This is particularly crucial in Africa, where there are often long distances between patients and healthcare facilities and frequent inflation in the cost of healthcare.
Women have always been at the heart of healthcare; whether as caregivers in their homes or as professionals in the sector. However, in recent years, the rise of women leaders in healthcare has brought a transformative shift. Women leaders bring a unique perspective of empathy and collaboration to healthcare, which is essential when trying to create patient-centered solutions. For me, it’s about more than
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